Confirmed: Double Aston Villa blow ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
By Will Butcher
Steve Bruce has revealed that he will be without Aston Villa duo Gabby Agbonlahor and Mile Jedinak for Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest.
Australia captain Jedinak is struggling to overcome a groin injury and missed the games against Preston and Brentford because of the muscle problem.
Similarly, two-time England international Agbonlahor also missed the 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Tuesday night, after tearing his hamstring during the final minutes against Preston.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s teatime kick-off, manager Bruce revealed to Aston Villa’s official website that the experienced duo would be rested rather than risked against Forest.
“Mile is close – but not quite close enough,” Bruce said. “Gabby has a bad one, which is unfortunate because it’s happened just when Gabby was starting to look like Gabby again.
“Against Preston, I thought he was excellent. Then he tore his hamstring with his last kick of the game.”
Villa will be hoping their January recruits can inspire them in ending their six-game winless run against Forest, which has seen them lose to the likes of Wolves, Cardiff and Tottenham.
Jedinak is likely to be replaced by one of Bruce’s three central midfield signings from January once again, which are Henri Lansbury, Conor Hourihane and Birkir Bjarnason.
With Jonathan Kodjia returning from the African Cup of Nations and Scott Hogan being signed from Brentford, Bruce also has plenty of options in the final third.
Villa could move up to 12th place in the Championship table with all three points at the City Ground, but will come up against a side who have won their last two home games against Bristol City and Rotherham.
In other Aston Villa news, David Prutton has predicted Villa’s clash against Forest.